Roswell, GA, continues to grow and develop, with ongoing roadwork, neighborhood upgrades, and commercial projects shaping the community. While these improvements enhance local infrastructure and support economic growth, they also bring construction zones—and with them, potential hazards. When an accident or injury happens in one of these areas, figuring out who is responsible can be complex.

At Rowsey & Stelter, Attorneys at Law, we have decades of experience advocating for our clients who have been injured due to negligent actions from drivers, government entities or private companies. Construction zone accidents, in particular, can be very complex, requiring legal expertise to determine the liable party or parties.

Why Construction Zones Are Risky

According to the Federal Highway Administration, more than 96,000 work zone crashes occur in the U.S. every year, with nearly 900 fatalities. Georgia consistently ranks among the states with high numbers of construction-related roadway accidents. Common hazards include:

• Narrowed or shifted lanes
• Sudden lane closures
• Poor or missing signage
• Uneven pavement
• Equipment or debris in travel lanes
• Workers or flaggers directing traffic

The combination of reduced space, unpredictable conditions, and distracted or speeding drivers makes these zones particularly dangerous.

Potentially Liable Parties

Determining who’s responsible for a construction zone accident in Atlanta depends on the circumstances. Multiple parties may share liability:

• Construction Companies: If the construction crew failed to post proper warning signs, left dangerous debris in the roadway, or didn’t follow safety regulations, the company could be held accountable.
• Government Entities: City, county, or state agencies overseeing the project may bear responsibility if the zone was poorly designed or lacked required safety measures. In Georgia, claims against government entities follow special notice and filing rules.
• Other Drivers: If a motorist was speeding, tailgating, or distracted and caused the crash, they may be liable for your injuries.
• Equipment Manufacturers: If defective construction equipment or traffic control devices contributed to the accident, the manufacturer might be responsible under product liability laws.

How Liability Is Proven

To hold someone accountable, your legal team must prove negligence. This typically involves:

• Reviewing traffic camera footage or dashcam videos
• Gathering witness statements
• Examining accident reports and safety logs
• Consulting experts on construction safety standards

In many cases, more than one party is found liable, which can increase your chances of full compensation.

Compensation for Construction Zone Accident Victims

If you were injured in a construction zone accident, you may be entitled to recover:

• Medical expenses (current and future)
• Lost income and reduced earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Property damage
• Rehabilitation costs

In severe cases like wrongful death, victims may also seek punitive damages if the at-fault party acted with gross negligence or reckless disregard for safety.

When to Contact a Lawyer

Georgia law generally gives injury victims two years from the date of an accident to file a personal injury lawsuit, but deadlines may be shorter for claims involving government agencies. Acting quickly ensures important evidence is preserved before it disappears.

Construction zones may be unavoidable in Roswell and the greater Atlanta metro area, but suffering the consequences of someone else’s negligence shouldn’t be. If you’ve been hurt in a construction zone accident, the right legal help can make the difference between a denied claim and the full compensation you deserve.

Our experienced legal team at Rowsey & Stelter, Attorneys at Law, can investigate the incident, identify liable parties, and handle negotiations with insurers or government entities on your behalf. If you have been injured in a construction zone accident in Roswell, GA, contact our office for a free consultation about your case.